The most interesting praying mantis facts are related to its life cycle. The life cycle of a praying mantis begins in reproduction when a male and a female praying mantis would mate. During this process, scientists have observed that female mantises could cut the heads of the male before they actually mate. But in the wild, may mantis species are known for elaborate dance courtships. The male will then hop on to the back of the female to lodge his sperm at the end of the female’s abdomen.

During the autumn season, the females will start to consume more food in preparation for her eggs. Her abdomen will also increase in size. As soon as she is ready to lay eggs, she will look for a branch, a leaf or even a flat surface to begin the process. A protective covering called ootheca will be extruded first and this will serve as the housing of the eggs. The eggs will then be deposited into the folds of the ootheca.

After 3 to 6 weeks, the eggs will now begin to hatch. Small praying mantises will start to emerge from the ootheca. But studies have also shown that young praying mantises can also feast on their own siblings. These nymphs can already hunt for prey but smaller in size compared to the prey of their parents. They will later on grow in size and reproduce to lay eggs of their own.

Praying Mantis Facts on Predation

Praying mantises are known to feast on any type of insects. Sometimes, they even eat their own kind. Based on praying mantis facts, these insects never eat plants or crops and this is why they are perfect for pest control. But there are only a few people who actually know the predatory behavior that these mantises have. Many people often mistake praying mantises to be plant eaters just like other insects in the garden. When it comes to predation, praying More...

Getting Rid of a Mantis

If you want to get rid of a mantis, wear thick gloves then pick the insect up. Try picking the praying mantis up from behind to position the mouth and forelegs in front of your hands. This insect has sharp and strong front legs, and can give a painful bite. Mantises are not poisonous and deadly, but they can be hurtful through their bite and forelegs. Use thick gloves for minimizing this possibility. Put the mantis into a box and More...

Praying Mantis as Beneficial Insect

Praying mantises play an important role in the environment and to the ecosystem. They are very important and beneficial to farmers since they feed on pests, hence, controlling the growth of their population and preventing any harm that they can cause on the crops as well as to the plants at home. However, one of the unappealing praying mantis facts is that, being predators, they also tend to feed on their own kind. When you look at praying mantis on More...

Breeding Praying Mantis

When you have plans of breeding praying mantis, you should know how to distinguish the females from the males, among other praying mantis facts. One of the easiest ways to do this is by counting the segments at their abdominal region. Female mantises have six segments while males have eight. Keeping the mantises healthy isn’t much of a work. When you got hold of a pair, you must first feed them properly with insects for about two weeks prior to More...

What You Should Know About Praying Mantis

Praying mantis are insects with over 1,800 species all over the world. This insect’s most distinctive feature is their grasping legs in front that look as if they are praying. These legs are designed to better seizing and holding their prey. Praying mantises are harmless; in fact they are of great help to farmers in eating insects that are destroying the crops which is one of the praying mantis facts that are truly beneficial. Mantises lay eggs in masses where More...